The UK government this week launched a consultation into the administration of direct payments to farmers – and the possibility of a lump sum exit payment for farmers who may be looking to leave the industry.

English NFU vice president Tom Bradshaw responded: “As our agricultural support is overhauled, farm businesses across the country will be making life-changing decisions about the future of their farm or tenancy. We want to see a fair transition which allows farmers who are considering leaving the industry to have sufficient time and information to make those significant decisions.

“We must also recognise the personal nature of this decision and how no two farm businesses are the same, meaning each set of circumstances for a farmer considering a lump sum exit payment will be truly unique," stressed Mr Bradshaw. "We will now be consulting with our members extensively to understand their views on these proposals.

“Of course, any discussion around people exiting the industry must be coupled with how we attract new people into agriculture," he added. "It’s crucial that the schemes announced today work in a coherent way with schemes such as the New Entrant Scheme and Future Farm Resilience Fund to ensure British farming has a thriving workforce for generations to come.

“While getting the framework of future agricultural policy schemes right is important, DEFRA’s policy transition must not ignore the consequences of the government’s new trade deals as these will be absolutely critical to the viability of many family farms. Trade and policy must act in tandem.”